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First of all, let me say that as a Chiropractor in Elizabeth City NC – I am not a counselor, therapist, psychiatrist, etc and have no formal mental health training but I do have a passion for helping people naturally and this topic is too important not to cover. Depression is a common but serious mental illness that manifests itself in many forms, and if left untreated, it becomes progressively challenging to overcome to a point where it turns debilitating and even life-threatening. Depression among men can interfere with everyday life, such as working, studying, sleeping, and difficulty eating. It is a serious disorder that leaves a person feeling despondent, helpless, completely detached from the world and if nothing is quickly done to resolve symptoms of depression, could lead to a plethora of health issues even result in suicide.
What is Depression
Researchers argue that mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain when there is either an under or overabundance in chemicals called neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, etc. that facilitate communication between nerve cells. Displaying signs of depression will differ significantly from person to the next, but a chemical imbalance in the brain can present symptoms including:
- Feelings of impending doom, intense anger, worthlessness, sadness, helplessness, restlessness, irritability, a lack of empathy, extreme mood swings, etc
- Alcohol or drug misuse to hush the symptoms
- Diminished levels of energy accompanied by unexplained fatigue
- Isolation from people
- Lack of sleep or oversleeping
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Spaced out concentration
- Neglecting responsibilities and a lack of interest in life
- Hearing voices
- Having suicidal ideations even attempting suicide
Unfortunately, many men wear a stoic mask and would rather bury their emotions deep inside and suffer in silence that let people see their struggles and flaws. Consequently, this leaves them with underlying feelings of intense anger and frustration. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) among the 300 million people living with depression, nearly half of them don’t get treatment, primarily due to the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. This is particularly true for men who are atypical to some of the most common symptoms of depression.
Coping and Managing Depression
If you are or a loved one is actively presenting with the above symptoms, it is crucial to understand that depression is a severe illness, not weaknesses and you have nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about because it can be managed. Seeking a multifaceted treatment plan that combines counseling, medication in more extreme cases, including complementary therapies, such as biofeedback can significantly help you lead a full, productive life.
It is not uncommon for men to have had trouble communicating what they’re feeling let alone figuring out how to talk about depression. Rest assured knowing that there are a few key steps you can take toward managing and dealing with depression:
- Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, eat healthy meals and minimize your alcohol intake
- Accept that you can resolve your problems with therapy rather than self-medicating
- Look for ways of sharing your feelings
- Practice deep breathing, meditation, prayer or stretching to manage your stresses
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, tell someone or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline right away and talk to a trained counselor.
